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Synonyms

PA system

American  
Or P.A. system,

PA system British  

noun

  1. See public-address system

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of PA system

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“No whining today,” Crist said through a PA system.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2025

Within the first 30 minutes of walking into my first dog show, I heard someone over the PA system say, "Will all the German Shepherd bitches report to Gate 4," or whatever.

From Salon ● Apr. 23, 2024

“They announced it over the PA system, but I was so oblivious to everything but what I was doing on the mound that I didn’t even hear it.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2024

Backed by drums, shakers and a PA system, the group cast chants over the fence toward the building, in hopes those inside could hear them.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 18, 2024

One woman was speaking vigorously against the city’s housing policies when the church’s PA system went out.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

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